Labour shortages – turning away from bad jobs

Policy recommendations

Rising labour shortages reflect structural shifts, including the digital and green transitions, as well as a cyclical component in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The policy debate tends to focus on the need for skills and, where they are deemed to be missing, on bringing in those skills through immigration and mobility. Most discussions ignore the role of job quality, even though labour shortages have increased most and are worst in jobs with lower wages and worse conditions.
Tight labour markets can provide workers with opportunities, to some extent making up for the slow erosion of workers’ bargaining power over time. Indeed, this can lead to higher wages, better conditions and higher equality of wages overall.
It is now necessary to support workers and sectors in improving conditions. This can be done by embracing higher minimum standards on wages and quality of work. This aspect should not be neglected.

Labour shortages – turning away from bad jobs - European Economic, Employment and Social Policy, 2023 DOWNLOAD

Looking for a Hidden Population: Trafficking of Migrant Laborers in San Diego County

Publications

Written by Sheldon X. Zhang, Ph.D., Principal Investigator. A study examining San Diego County's population of migrant farmworkers who have been trafficked. This study examines the types of trafficking experienced and the condition faced by...Read More

TAGS: Sourcing or Production Agriculture, Horticulture & Landscaping Food & Beverage - Processing & Packaging Construction & Security Services North America

National Hotline 2017 Iowa State Report

Graphics & InfographicsPublications

The data in this report represents signals and cases from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 and is accurate as of July 11, 2018. Cases of trafficking may be ongoing or new information may be revealed to the National Hotline over time. Conseq...Read More

TAGS: North America

National Hotline 2019 South Dakota State Report

Graphics & InfographicsPublications

The data in this report represents signals and cases from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 and is accurate as of July 30, 2020. Cases of trafficking may be ongoing or new information may revealed to the National Hotline over time. Consequen...Read More

TAGS: North America

Child Labour Due Diligence Law [‘Wet Zorgplicht Kinderarbeid’]

Legislation

On February 7, 2017 the Child Labour Due Diligence Law [‘Wet Zorgplicht Kinderarbeid’], initiated by member Van Laar (Labour Party), was adopted by the Dutch Parliament. The law requires companies to examine whether child labour occurs in thei...Read More

TAGS: Recruitment Sourcing or Production Due Diligence Supplier Management Europe